Crossword Genius

Kid 'em it's symbolic! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it's symbolic' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'kid 'em' is the wordplay.
'kid' becomes 'tot' (tot is a kind of kid).
'tot'+'em'='TOTEM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Symbolic object with ritualistic associations" , "This pole is carved and painted by N American Indians" , "Tribal symbol (maybe on pole)" , "Emblematic animal or object" , "symbol of spiritual significance" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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